# distrACT — Trusted self-harm information

> Trusted self-harm information, self-help, and support resources. (iPhone/iPad app by Expert Self Care Ltd.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/distract/id1225176329 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Expert Self Care Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/934979378)
- Category: Health & Fitness, Medical
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 17.6 · 59 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-10-08
- Data updated: 2026-07-24
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/distract/id1225176329/reviews.md

## What is distrACT?

Concerned about self-harm? Feeling suicidal? Not sure what to do next? Then this app is for you.

The distrACT app provides easy, quick and discreet access to general health information, self-help tips and links to support and trusted resources for those who self-harm or feel suicidal - and those supporting them.    

Open the app and find the following sections with reliable answers to your questions in plain language – anywhere, anytime, and in private:

► ABOUT SELF-HARM: Check out what self-harm is, why people self-harm, and how to spot the warning signs
► SELF-HELP: Learn how to identify your needs, manage the urge to self-harm and use safer alternatives
► SUPPORT: Find out about how to get support, where to go for further help, and what to say when talking with others about self-harm
► CALM ZONE: Discover new resources that may help you feel better when you're struggling or feeling tense, including art, books, films, music, poems, quotes, stories and online videos
► EMERGENCY: Know what to do in an emergency, how to access help and how best to work together with health professionals 

The distrACT app was co-created by practising UK health professionals together with people with lived experiences of self-harm and experts in self-harm and suicide prevention. 

Development partners include Bristol Health Partners, Self-Injury Support, Self-Injury Self Help, the University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Bristol, with additional input from other local and national organisations.

Expert Self Care Ltd (the app's lead developer) is certified by the Patient Information Forum 'PIF Tick', the UK's quality mark for reliable health information. 

We want to improve this app further for you and others. So please let us know what you think about it. We'd appreciate your feedback. You can comment and suggest improvements from within the app or through our website at www.expertselfcare.com. 

Please could you also comment on and rate the distrACT app on the App Store to give other people information about whether they may want to download the app too.

Thank you!

## Key features

- General health information
- Self-help tips
- Links to support resources
- Calm Zone with creative content
- Emergency guidance
- Discreet access

## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/distract/id1225176329/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Poor links in App

*2020-12-01, version 1.4.1*

There are links for creative therapy resources. I think they may have been corrupted as they link to websites that have nothing to do with creative therapy, so are of no use.

### 1/5 — Deleted after 5 minutes

*2019-11-24*

Just another boring app about things we already know

### 3/5 — Not Very Useful

*2019-02-04, version 1.1*

Good intentions. But the app is very limited. It only has details of local real world help for Bristol. Not much use to the world outside Bristol.

The layout is orientated for portrait and does not adjust to landscape. Fixed to iPhone proportions it looks adrift in the middle of my iPad screen. The top of the app is a flashing animation that cycles rapidly and makes my anxiety skyrocket. If you must have cheap animations, at least show some courtesy to users and include a stop/pause/disable button. I found myself clicking on any link just to avoid the homepage.

Content might help those who have no prior experience/knowledge of selfharm/suicidal ideation but not much use for people with personal history or professional background.

Found this app via link on NHS website. I think of this app as a third rate way to try to whitewash the disgraceful failure to provide adequate mental health care for British people. Its better than nothing. But like an asprin for ebola sufferers it is not a real solution.

### 5/5 — Will definitely recommend to my friend

*2018-02-05, version 1.1*

Beautiful app with extremely useful information!

### 5/5 — Great info and advice for young people who self harm

*2017-11-26, version 1.0*

Love the chill zone section and well laid out ☺️

### 5/5 — A must get App

*2017-10-18, version 1.0*

This app is professional, well-thought out and structured and is a must if you are concerned about self-harm or feeling suicidal and don't know what to do next. I highly recommend it.

## Frequently asked questions about distrACT

### What is distrACT?

distrACT is a health and fitness app that offers discreet access to information, self-help tips, and links to trusted resources for individuals experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts, as well as those supporting them.

### Is distrACT free to download and use?

Yes, distrACT is available for free. The app does not have any in-app purchases and is ad-free, ensuring a non-disruptive user experience.

### What kind of information does distrACT provide?

distrACT provides information on what self-harm is, why people self-harm, warning signs, how to manage urges, safer alternatives, how to get support, and what to say when discussing self-harm.

### Does distrACT offer immediate help in an emergency?

distrACT includes an 'Emergency' section that guides users on what to do in an emergency, how to access help, and how to work with health professionals. It is designed to be a resource, not a direct emergency service.

### What is the Calm Zone in distrACT?

The Calm Zone in distrACT offers a collection of resources such as art, books, films, music, poems, quotes, stories, and online videos that may help users feel better when they are struggling or feeling tense.

### Who developed distrACT?

distrACT was co-created by practicing UK health professionals, individuals with lived experience of self-harm, and experts in self-harm and suicide prevention. Development partners include Bristol Health Partners and the University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Bristol.

### What devices is distrACT available on?

distrACT is currently supported on iPhone and iPod devices. It is designed for users seeking accessible mental health support on their mobile devices.

### How often is distrACT updated?

The latest version of distrACT is 2.3, and it was last updated on August 8, 2025. This indicates regular updates to improve the app's content and functionality.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.4.1 — 2026-07-13

Content Update

### 2.3 — 2025-08-08

We've revised and expanded the content on the local page for Dorset

### 2.2.3 — 2023-02-07

- minor bug fix (to do with content update)

### 2.2.2 — 2023-02-06

- revised, expanded and updated the content
- added the PIF Tick certification
- added links to more information on each page

### 2.2.1 — 2022-11-23

- Content Update
- Bug Fixes
- Performance Improvements

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All apps by Expert Self Care Ltd: https://appshunter.io/developer/934979378

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-24.*
